Washington Capitals right wing Tom Wilson, left, ducks a punch by New York Rangers defenseman Justin Falk as they fight in the first period of an NHL hockey game, Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2013, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
(The Associated Press)

Washington Capitals right wing Troy Brouwer, left, boards New York Rangers defenseman Marc Staal in the first period of an NHL hockey game, Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2013, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
(The Associated Press)

New York Rangers defenseman Marc Staal, left moves to clear the puck as goalie Henrik Lundqvist, right, of Sweden, looks for it, with Washington Capitals right wing Joel Ward advancing, in the first period of an NHL hockey game, Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2013, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
(The Associated Press)

Henrik Lundqvist earned his 46th NHL shutout, Brad Richards assisted on two New York goals less than two minutes apart in the second period, and the Rangers beat familiar postseason foe Washington 2-0 on Wednesday night to end a three-game losing streak.

Richards helped set up goals by Ryan Callahan and John Moore, and Lundqvist made the limited offense hold up in a 22-save performance against the Capitals. It was his first shutout during what has been a poor start to the season. By game's end, some Rangers fans were chanting his name.

The Rangers won for only the second time in six games under first-year coach Alain Vigneault. Their season-opening road swing still has three more stops.

Unable to generate much offense, even with their formidable power play, three-time NHL MVP Alex Ovechkin and the Capitals fell to 2-5.